Computer assisted and /or implemented process and system for conducting searches in healthcare provider medical information portals

Abstract

A method, system, and computer program device implements a search in, for example, a healthcare provider medical information portal. For example, instead of having to type or key a search item into an interface, the search may be conducted, automatically, for data records relevant to the item by executing a search query event. More particularly, the search query event identifies the item, which may be displayed in a user interface, to be searched. In addition to identifying the item, the search query event also initiates the search. In one example, the search query event includes positioning a cursor over a phrase, term or other item displayed on a webpage and clicking a mouse button. The present invention requires fewer interactions to execute a search. The search technique may be implemented with any type of portal.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 390,166, filed Mar. 18, 2003, “Computer Assisted and / or Implemented Process and System for Managing and / or Providing a Medical Information Portal for Healthcare Providers,” which, in turn, claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 60 / 364,743, “Computer Implemented and / or Assisted Process and System for MerckMedicus” filed Mar. 18, 2002, both of which are assigned to the assignee of this application and are incorporated herein by reference. [0002] In addition, this application is related to the following U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 390,159, filed Mar. 18, 2003; Ser. No. 10 / 390,168, filed Mar. 18, 2003; Ser. No. 10 / 390,162, filed Mar. 18, 2003; Ser. No. 10 / 390,165, filed Mar. 18, 2003; and Ser. No. 10 / 390,539, filed Mar. 18, 2003, and all of which are assigned to the assignee of this application and are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0037] The present invention alleviates the deficiencies of conventional techniques and systems described above. The invention enables information provision to physicians and other healthcare providers that is more targeted, more efficient and may be permission-based. The invention provides assistance to help physicians to obtain timely and appropriate information to help them practice better medicine. The system, according to one or more aspects of the invention, provides the right information in an appropriate format. It also provides for appropriate filtering of information. Another enduring value which the invention provides to physicians is an aggregation of resources in one place. The present invention provides a fairly easy way of distributing information targeted to certain physicians, and allowing those physicians to expose themselves more readily to new information. The present invention fosters the best practice of medicine, which creates simultaneous benefits for physicians, and patients.

[0039] Accordingly, one or more embodiments of the invention provides a system and / or method to permit rapidly searching for and / or locating content or services, such as in a unified user interface. Further, the present invention provides that the resources, e.g., content, information, and / or services, are correlated to the relevant segments of a healthcare professional's practice, for example, diagnosing illnesses, learning and advancing professional development both formally and informally, accessing resources appropriate for patients, obtaining information on healthcare technology, reviewing medical news, and / or accessing an electronic library of basic medical resources. Such a system and / or method facilitates a physician's nomadic working style and provides ready access to resources. Moreover, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, access to certain premium resources is restricted, such as to users with professional licensure, medical students, and / or licensed physicians.

[0040] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a single online destination to provide a “front door” into online services for a physician or healthcare practitioner, to enhance customer convenience, improve efficiency of information delivery, and enhance data gathering and targeting. Further, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a user with customizable, personalized healthcare information and state-of-the-art set of tools and resources, to help physicians or other healthcare providers efficiently practice medicine, integrate technology, and stay current. Content may include professional references, medical news, physician education, search engines, practice management information, and / or links to other resources. Resources may include disease education resources, professional development resources, practice management and technology, and patient resources. Other tools may be offered.

Problems solved by technology

Moreover, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, access to certain premium resources is restricted, such as to users with professional licensure, medical students, and / or licensed physicians.

Images